ORAL MANIFESTATIONS OF SYPHILIS: AN EPIDEMIOLOGICAL STUDY IN SOUTHERN BRAZIL

Abstract

<h3>Objectives</h3> This study is an epidemiologic survey of cases of syphilis diagnosed from oral manifestations. <h3>Study Design</h3> The medical records of patients with oral lesions of syphilis treated at a stomatology service in southern Brazil were reviewed. <h3>Results</h3> A total of 109 cases were selected in which there was laboratory confirmation. The mean age of the patients was 34.4 years and, of these, 51% were men. In 105 cases, the disease was diagnosed in the secondary stage; in 3 cases, the disease was in the primary stage and, in 1 case, in the tertiary stage. The 3 cases of primary syphilis presented as single and ulcerated nodules and the case of tertiary syphilis as a necrotic lesion in the palate. In 86% of cases of secondary syphilis there were multicentric oral lesions, with the labial mucosa and the tongue being most affected. In most cases these lesions presented as grayish-white plaques (85%), associated or not with erosive and/or ulcerated lesions (33%). In 91.7% of cases painful symptoms were reported. <h3>Conclusions</h3> Considering the significant increase of syphilis incidence, dentists should recognize its oral manifestations because early diagnosis can minimize the risks of complications and transmission.